Bahinabai (बहिणाबाई)

Bhaktamal | Bahinabai
Real name – Bahin
Other Name – Bahina or Bahini
Guru - Tukaram
Aaradhya - Vithoba
Birth - 1628
Birth Place - Devgaon rangari near Ellora, Maharashtra, India
Died - 1700
Marital Status: Married
Father - Aaudev Kulkarni
Mother - Janaki
Spouse - Gangadhar Pathak
Famous - Spiritual SaintSaint Bahinabai was a renowned Marathi poet-saint of the Varkari devotional tradition and a devotee of Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur. She is regarded as one of the great female saints of Maharashtra and is remembered for her soul-stirring *abhangs* (devotional poems). Bahinabai considered the great saint Tukaram her spiritual guru.

Bahinabai's Literary Contribution
❀ Bahinabai composed hundreds of Marathi *Abhangas* dedicated to Lord Vithoba.
❀ Love and devotion towards God.
❀ Challenges faced by women in society.
❀ Balancing domestic duties with a spiritual life.
❀ Equality, humility, and surrender to God.

Her most significant work is '*Atmanivedan*' (Bahinabai Gatha), an autobiographical collection. In it, she describes her life experiences, spiritual philosophies, and her devotion to Vithoba and Tukaram.

Saint Bahinabai holds a special place among the saints of the Varkari movement. Her *abhangs* are still sung today across Maharashtra during *kirtans* and devotional gatherings. She remains a source of inspiration, particularly for devotees who seek to strike a balance between spiritual life and worldly responsibilities.

Teachings of Bahinabai
❀ True devotion can be practiced even while leading a family life.
❀ Serving one's family and serving God can go hand in hand.
❀ Spiritual progress depends on true devotion rather than caste or social status.
❀ Constant remembrance of God's name is the path to liberation.